Nieuw Amsterdam: The Ship of the Future

As the Atlantic (and other ocean routes) returned to regular passenger trade during the mid-1920s, each nation resumed the competition for the passenger traffic.  Before the depression few new ships were planned to enter service and up the ante on the Atlantic.  In 1927, France put the finest restaurant and Art Deco décor to sea with the Ile deFrance (1926).  We have seen the German record breakers Bremen (1929) and Europa (1930) come into service.  They are larger and faster than the newest French rival and outclass the British vessels in service.  The Italians challenge the Germans for speed in 1932 with the Rex- the first superliner to sail from the Mediterranean.  France will make the boldest statement of all with Normandie (1935).  By the mid-1930s it becomes clear that each nation should do its best to construct a magnificent vessel- a ship of state.

Sleek lines and balanced profile of the Nieuw Amsterdam.  Model by Triang-Minic with original Holland America postcard (undated).

One of the most modern ships of the era came from the Netherlands.   Sailing alongside Statendam (1929), the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938 brought streamlined design and modern art to sea.  Light colors, synthetic materials, and curvy furniture prevailed on this splendid vessel.  She was comfortable and elegant, yet approachable.  Holland-America dubbed her “the ship of the future.”  Sailing from the northern route, the ship was designed for tropical cruising as well and fitted with forced air ventilation to keep her interiors comfortable.  Her theater was fully air-conditioned!   All first class cabins had private full bathrooms and she boasted an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. She was also the largest twin-screw ship built to date.

 

First class dining saloon.

Her career in the 30s was short, however, and she spent 1939 laid up and then requisitioned by the Allies in 1940.  She was the fourth largest troopship during the second world war, carrying 350,000 men and sailing more than 530,000 miles.

Very modern design with simple, clean lines.  

She returned to sea in 1947 and settled into nearly thirty years of profitable service.  She was a popular ship with many loyal followers and it was with much sadness that she suffered, like many of the liners, to the onset of jet-travel.  In 1971 she was taken off the Atlantic route and placed exclusively on cruise routes until she was decommissioned in 1974.  

S.S. Nieuw Amsterdam (1938-1974) Built by Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maats, Co, Rotterdam, Netherlands for Holland-America Line.  36,982 gross tons, 759 feet long; 88 feet wide.  Eight steam turbines singled reduction geared to twin screw.  Service speed 21.50 knots.   As built, 1, 663 passengers (691 first class, 972 tourist class).